SFO Hosts Behind-the-Scenes Tour Focused on State-of-the-Art Safety, Security Systems

Yesterday (March 11), Bay Area Council member San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and and Public Safety Committee Co-Chair, Jeff Littlefield, hosted an exclusive, behind-the-scenes public safety tour to see the airport’s industry-leading security innovations in action. With 52 million passengers passing through SFO annually and an anticipated increase to 72 million in the relatively near future, the airport is committed to continuously enhancing efficiency, safety, and ensuring the best possible customer experience.

Attendees first heard from new Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet and COO Jeff Littlefield, followed by top airport safety leadership, including Chris Pedrini, Acting Deputy Chief of SFPD – SFO. Rob Forester, SFO Director of Security and Emergency Management, then led a tour that spanned three terminals. Attendees explored the airport’s 24-hour Security Operations Center, 911 dispatch center, Emergency Operations Center, and the Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC). Attendees also learned about the plans currently in place to open a new AIOC, while will revolutionize the airport customer experience and enhance safety by bringing together various stakeholders into a single location, serving as the “nerve center” of the airport.

A highlight on the tour was the Independent Carrier System (ICS), a revolutionary baggage claims system that is among the first installed in the nation and efficiently processes 18,000 bags per hour. Special thanks to SFO’s Jeff Littlefield and Rob Forester for making this possible.

To engage in the Bay Area Council’s public safety work, please contact Senior Policy Director Laura Hill.